Published on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Thank You Veterans!
Memorial Day, once known as Decoration Day, is a cherished U.S. federal holiday that serves as a tribute to the brave men and women who lost their lives while serving our nation in the military. It is a time to pause, reflect and pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
At MegaStar, we are proud to continue our tradition of showing appreciation to our veteran employees at our annual employee appreciation event. It is a humbling moment as each veteran is recognized for their selfless service to our country.
We are deeply grateful for the sacrifices of all past and present veterans. Their unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms is an inspiration to us all, and we will never forget to honor them for their invaluable contribution to our society.
10 Ways to Bug-proof Your Home
Spring is a season of renewal, when plants begin to bloom, and animals start to awaken from their hibernation or migrate back to their breeding grounds.
But it’s not just plants and animals that are reemerging during this time. Insects, too, begin to emerge from their winter slumber. This article discusses 10 ways to keep bugs outside where they belong.
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Mint Julep
Horses are obviously the first thing that comes to mind regarding the Kentucky Derby. However, the Mint Julep is always a sure bet for second place. The first recorded recipe for a Mint Julep dates back to the 1700s, and has been a staple in Southern culture ever since. This refreshing cocktail has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby for over a century and for good reason. The combination of fresh mint, bourbon, and sugar creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly complement the thrilling atmosphere of the race.
Ingredients
- 8 mint leaves
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
- Garnish: mint sprig
- Garnish: Angostura bitters (optional)
- In a Julep cup or rocks glass, lightly muddle the mint leaves in the simple syrup.
- Add the bourbon then pack the glass tightly with crushed ice.
- Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside.
- Top with more crushed ice to form an ice dome, and garnish with a mint sprig and a few drops of bitters (optional).
Recipe by Liquor.com
Image from Liquor.com / Tim Nusog
Please Drink Responsibly!
The Benefits of Being a Cash Buyer
Whether someone is buying their first home, or their next home, it is hard for sellers to turn down a cash offer for traditional financing. Cash offers are often more attractive to sellers because they eliminate the risk and uncertainty of financing falling through during the sale process. One way to make a stronger offer is to already have the funds certified through a cash offer program.
The Mortgage Report - April 2023 Recap
The month of April saw a slight increase in rates with the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey showing an 11-basis point increase over the prior month end. Economic uncertainty will likely lead to rates remaining elevated in May as well. Much of the uncertainty revolves around the Federal Reserve and whether they are done with any further rate hikes. Many view the central bank’s actions as the clearest indicator of the direction of mortgage rates. Greg McBride, chief financial analyst for Bankrate said “If the Fed looks to be moving to the sidelines after an early May rate hike and we continue to see moderating inflation pressures, mortgage rates could slide back to the low sixes, a level not seen since last September”.
Mortgage demand and home prices have proved resilient so far this year. But Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research group expects that while housing demand and home prices have proved more resilient than previously anticipated, sales activity will remain subdued because of the persistently low inventory of homes for sale – particularly among existing homes. Additionally, Doug Duncan, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, Fannie Mae said “The greater-than-expected resilience of the housing sector to the affordability pressures of higher home prices and mortgages rates is central to our expectation that the recession will be modest.
According to Realtor.com, their April housing data release reveals that housing demand has continued to moderate while buyers contend with both rising home prices and rising mortgage rates. In April, the median home list price grew to a new all-time high while the number of listings in pending status–those that are in the process of being sold– declined. Sellers have also re-emerged, and newly listed homes have finally increased compared to the same time last year. With inventory also projected to grow compared to last year in the coming weeks, buyers who can stay in the market this year may face less competition and more choice this homebuying season.
